The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will continue its operations and process benefits without interruption during the government shutdown, according to an announcement from TCU/IAM. The agency confirmed that both Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment & Sickness benefits will be paid on time. RRB field offices are expected to remain open, though some may operate with reduced staffing.
The uninterrupted service is possible because the RRB is funded through railroad payroll taxes rather than the federal government’s annual budget appropriations. This separate funding structure ensures that benefits for railroad workers are not affected by government shutdowns.
“Railroad workers and retirees should not have to worry about the stability of their earned benefits,” said TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea. “The RRB is funded separately, and that ensures our members are protected even during these uncertain times.”
Members are advised that monthly retirement payments will continue as scheduled, and unemployment or sickness claims can still be filed as usual. While staffing in RRB offices may be limited, services remain available.
TCU/IAM stated it will keep monitoring developments and provide updates as necessary. For further information or assistance with claims, members can visit www.rrb.gov or contact their local RRB office.
